Dedicated to Hindu God Vishnu, Ekadashi Vrat is observed on the eleventh day of a fortnight in a Hindu lunar calendar. Ekadashi dates in January 2012 – January 5 and January 19. The famous Vaikunta Ekadasi in Tirumala and Srirangam is on January 5. Fasting from sunrise to next day morning sunrise is generally observed by many Hindus. Some observe the fast from the start time of Ekadasi Tithi and break the fast at the beginning of Dwadasi Tithi.
The January 5, 2012 Ekadasi is known as Putrada Ekadasi in most regions. In Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu it is the famous Vaikunta Ekadasi on January 5. In Kerala it is the SwargaVathil Ekadasi. The day is known as Mukkoti Ekadasi at Bhadarachalam Temple.
Please note that the Ekadasi tithi is marked on January 4, 2012 in most calendars but the day is not chosen for fasting as there is Dasami tithi during sunrise on the day.
The January 19, 2012 Ekadashi is known as Shattila Ekadasi.
The preparation for Ekadashi fasting begins on the Dasami day – the day before Ekadasi. On the Ekadasi day, devotees observe complete fast. The day is meant for hearing religious discourses and performing pujas.
There are also devotees who do not observe total fast. They avoid grains especially rice and consume fruits, nuts and milk.
The fasting comes to an end on the Dwadashi day with the consuming of food cooked in one’s house.
